Some in our community seem to feel that R-rated movies are inherently bad; not only are they not fit for children, but they are intrinsically immoral and shouldn't be seen by anyone. This sort of cultural puritanism has bothered many of us, so it is with some quiet gratification that I read that the best film of the year, "Schindler's List," has been rated R.
It is a movie that shows the most horrific violence. Depictions of some of the most ugly vices that people are capable of also appear in the film. And yet, film critics all over the nation are unanimous in declaring this production not only a masterpiece, but the most moral use of film in some time.One might object: "It isn't the violence and depravity in the movie that make it great, but the use that the director, Steven Spielberg, makes of this material by showing how good can survive despite the atrocities." And that is exactly the point.
You cannot simply condemn a movie because it is rated R until you discover what use the filmmakers make of the so-called "objectionable material." Care should be used in deciding whether your teenagers are mature enough to see this movie; it is of course inappropriate for children. But it would be completely ridiculous for an adult to decide not to see this movie just because it carries an R rating.
Many critics are saying that, with this movie, Spielberg has finally grown up. Perhaps we in our viewing habits should also grow up. I bet even Michael Medved likes this one.
R.W. Rasband
Heber City